A prominent, elevated and sloping site with extensive views over Midleton and the rolling east Cork countryside beyond required a sensitive and responsive design approach. The delivered scheme is a striking example of a modern, sustainable architecture. Composed of a series of well-crafted smaller neighbourhoods within, the design exhibits clean lines, a minimalist but vernacular aesthetic with an emphasis on energy efficiency through passive design.
Accordingly, 41 two and three storey homes have been designed to reflect a hilltop village which has developed organically overtime. To reflect the sloping topography no two homes, have the same floor level resulting in a collection of asymmetric, primarily detached homes which when seen from a distance suggests the village has wrapped itself around the hilltop.
Connectivity with Midleton town centre and the nearby railway station is paramount and encouraged a high-density scheme at the edge of the urban realm. Pedestrian movement and passive security were a focus from early concept designs. The public laneway addressing the east of the site hasand remains a picturesque walking route for generations of town residents. Conscious of this, on street parking only is provided to the homes addressing the laneway,providing pedestrian priority and a distinct traditional and organic feel. This is enhanced by the variations in house typography which address the laneway providing a sense of the unscripted, where of course there has been detailed direction.
The scheme layout looks inward and outwards, includes an internal pedestrian route which provides connectivity off site and access to a local play area set into a large green space at the centre of the scheme.
10 house type designs provide for a distinctive and considered sense of place and uniqueness. Quality materials including pre-coloured render, zinc cladding and local natural dressed limestone at node locations suggest a maturity to the scheme beyond its years and add texture and sophistication. Expansive and vertically emphasised glazing by its location offers considered solar gain and responds elegantly with the clean and precise detailing.